I knew this would come up and you are right but, I feel there are plenty distractions in a dojo to overcome without the use of music. Besides, as sensei, I don't want to give directives while competing vocally with a stereo. During group practice, there is enough thumping of the mats and people making ki noises.

Next thing you know, people will come in and see aikidoka doing movements that look like ballet to them with the accompanyment of music and get the vibe it must be a new age billy blanks aerobic, tai chi kind of place.

I was purely playing devils advocate, but only to a degree. LOL

I agree that it may not be the proper thing to do every class, and I would think it would be advisable as a general rule to have it blaring so loud as to be difficult to talk over.

However, as I previously stated, if it can be used in situations to help out then it is a valuable training tool and I am all for it.

Harmony does not mean that there are no conflicts,
for the dynamic spiral of existence embraces both extremes.